Transcript Highlights:

• I lost my 17-year-old son, Seth, on October 26, 2022, to fentanyl poisoning. Baloney.
• The concentration of the fentanyl was so strong it was three times the lethal dose.
• October 26th, 2022 to fentanyl October 26th, 2022 to fentanyl poisoning.<00:07:44.160> Seth
• The concentration of the fentanyl him.
• The concentration of the fentanyl was<00:09:43.920> so<00:09:44.160> strong<00:09:44.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You are recognized to explain the bill, which is a bill titled Senate Bill 1346, as I said, on fentanyl
• He passed away in September 2022 after unknowingly ingesting a substance laced with fentanyl.
• Since he was unaware that he had consumed it, medical professionals were unable to identify fentanyl
• This bill requires hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl as part of any urine
• The bill will increase the frequency and efficiency of fentanyl testing, ensuring that patients receive

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Justin died of a fentanyl overdose at just 25 years old.
• Justin died of a fentanyl overdose at just 25 years old.
• He died of a fentanyl overdose at just 25 years old.
• Because of a single fentanyl-laced pill, my family's life was changed forever.
• Because of a single fentanyl-laced pill, my family's life was changed forever.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hancock said fentanyl is a very deadly substance and that exposure continues to be a growing
• He explained that the legislature has taken measures to combat fentanyl, but Senate Bill 1234 takes aim
• Penalty group 1B is fentanyl and related opiates.
• So it's just adding fentanyl to the 1B classification, or that grouping of opiates.
• the circumstances under which it can be charged; it simply creates a presumption that exposure to fentanyl

Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• CS for SB 1346 on fentanyl testing by Senator Polsky.
• He passed away in September 2022 after unknowingly ingesting a substance laced with fentanyl.
• He was poisoned with illicit fentanyl in September 2022.
• He was poisoned with illicit fentanyl in September 2022.
• This bill will aid in eradicating the current fentanyl crisis and can prevent further loss of life.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<02:06:59.360> minors Senate File Nine, Fentanyl to minors Senate File Nine, Fentanyl
• me. 76% of which involved fentanyl. 76%. me. 76% of which involved fentanyl. 76%.
• Over 5,000 children deadly fentanyl.
• <02:09:44.320> in have died from overdoses of fentanyl in have died from overdoses of fentanyl
• to fentanyl. to fentanyl.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is whether the fentanyl coming from Canada is an emergency.
• They've appointed a fentanyl czar.
• Now, by some estimates, there's been a 97% reduction in fentanyl going over the border.
• is whether the fentanyl coming from Canada is an emergency.
• They've appointed a fentanyl czar.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was the fentanyl exposure of children and vulnerable adults.
• It was the fentanyl exposure of children and vulnerable adults.
• Page R4, House section one, is a House-only provision that defines fentanyl for the purposes of the next
• for the purposes of the defines fentanyl for the purposes of the next<00:31:17.120> section.
• The House also includes here fentanyl.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that is in its third year that the Legislature has consistently supported: state assistance for fentanyl
• I think being able to give our law enforcement officers the resources and ability to get fentanyl off
• that is in its third year that the Legislature has consistently supported: state assistance for fentanyl
• I think being able to give our law enforcement officers the resources and ability to get fentanyl off
• I think being able to give our law enforcement officers the resources and ability to get fentanyl off

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chinese Communist Party has exploited our porous southern border to facilitate the trafficking of fentanyl
• I am concerned about the growing threats from TCOs and synthetic opioid trafficking, including fentanyl
• Chairman, the, uh, the crisis, the fentanyl crisis is a significant concern.
• There are people dying in my state from fentanyl overdoses, from drug overdoses generally, and we are
• We've heard this a lot from our colleagues this morning, and I share the concern about fentanyl in North

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Xylazine mixed with fentanyl is one of the current drug cocktails of choice across our country right
• So one of the things that we're finding is that by cutting this into fentanyl, xylazine is cheap.
• Crackdowns on heroin led suppliers to produce cheaper, more potent, and easily smuggled fentanyl.
• Harsh fentanyl penalties incentivize fentanyl analogs to flood our markets. Thank you.
• Most of the time, xylazine is put into these fentanyl products without them even knowing it.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Justin died of a fentanyl overdose at just 25 years old.
• That is in large part thanks to naloxone being more available because of a single fentanyl-laced pill
• dead um Justin died of a fentanyl dead um Justin died of a fentanyl overdose<00:13:18.600> at
• epidemic in this opioid and Fentanyl epidemic in this country<00:13:44.560> I'm<00:13:44.720>
• available because of a single fentanyl available because of a single fentanyl laced<00:16:06.680

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, HB 2132, fentanyl possession, sale amount sentencing.
• created enhanced sentencing requirements for people who are in possession of 200 grams or more of fentanyl
• through HB 2607 established specific enhanced sentencing provisions for people involved in selling fentanyl
• HB 2132 reduces from 200 grams to 100 grams the amount of fentanyl that a person must sell or possess
• order to qualify for an enhanced sentence under current statute. ...to 100 grams, the amount of fentanyl

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• in front of you, uh, in regard to Operation Lone Star, 51,000 criminal arrests, uh, 542 pounds of fentanyl
• Um, addressing the fentanyl use.
• do that, um, We won't support if it means making the penalties higher or reducing the amount of fentanyl
• It's a, it's also a cop killer and so fentanyl and anything tied or directed to fentanyl that's not being
• the doctor's office, we are on board to do anything and everything we can to help you reduce the fentanyl

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd offer fentanyl deaths across the state have gone down, and I'm not here to say correlation equals
• And on top of that, it's not just fentanyl coming across our borders from south to north.
• And on top of that, it's not just fentanyl coming across our borders from south to north. we also use
• So when we first started the program, about 26% or 27% of the fentanyl that we supported the seizures
• So when we first started the program, about 26% or 27% of the fentanyl that we supported the seizures

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard a budget item on vehicle license fee backfill funding, where the Department of Finance said the administration was not proposing the requested $119 million for San Mateo County, Alpine, and Mono, arguing the payment is discretionary and that existing excess ERAF formulas should remain unchanged. Senator Becker and former Senator Jackie Speier testified that the money is owed under the VLF swap arrangement and that San Mateo County faces major service cuts without the backfill; Senator Cabaldon raised broader policy questions about county boundaries and the structure of the formula. The chair held the item open after public comment. The committee then reviewed Secretary of State budget proposals. The department requested funding for SB 851 implementation, including additional duties related to election litigation notice, voting system standards, and vendor reporting, with $1.1 million General Fund in 2026-27 and $807,000 ongoing for four positions and software. Members asked about election security, federal HAVA funding, staffing, and implementation timing; the department said current federal funds are expected to run out in 2027-28 and that it hopes to hire quickly once funded. The item was held open. The Secretary of State also presented the Cal Access Replacement System (CARS), seeking $11.8 million General Fund to finish the project and begin operations, and the notary automation replacement project, seeking $9.795 million in Business Fees Fund for continued development of the outdated notary system. Members focused on project delays, stakeholder input, and whether the funding requests matched prior plans; the department said both projects were still on their original funding tracks but had shifted timelines due to planning needs and election-related workload. Both items were held open. CalVet presented its department overview and then discussed the new 240-bed skilled nursing facility at Yountville, which is nearing completion and will replace the aging Holderman Hospital building. Members asked about the future of Holderman, other campus capital projects, and a payroll/fringe-benefit issue affecting some employees; CalVet said Holderman will continue to house some functions, the roofing and steam projects remain in progress, and the tax issue has been addressed with new procedures and repayment arrangements. The committee also discussed eliminating vacant positions under Control Section 4.12, with CalVet saying the positions were long-vacant CNA and related jobs and the LAO noting the Legislature had not concurred; Senator Cabaldon said he had no objection, and the item was held open. Finally, the California Arts Council gave an overview of its work and its cultural districts program, describing grants and technical assistance in all 58 counties and citing examples of local impact. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas strongly supported additional funding, including a proposed $50 million General Fund investment and a $10 million carve-out for cultural districts, arguing the program supports economic development, preservation, and community identity; council staff said the program is currently unfunded and has only been able to designate a fraction of applicants. Senator Cabaldon noted that many parts of the state still lack cultural districts and urged broader geographic representation. The item was informational and no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cannabis tainted with fentanyl will be coming to this state at some point, so if we think that the drug
• Cannabis tainted with fentanyl will be coming to this state at some point, so if we think that the drug
• If I'm an addict, I'm getting ready to shoot out by test, and there's an amount of fentanyl in here,
• It's not just the overdoses and the fentanyl testing, but it's also, you know, somebody gets a heart
• just the overdoses and the fentanyl just the overdoses and the fentanyl testing<00:48:08.200>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the FDA forecast that as the rate of fatal fentanyl deaths decrease, the next wave of overdose
• Again, the FDA forecast that as the rate of fatal fentanyl deaths decrease, the next wave of overdose
• <01:08:32.080> or your typical opioid like fentanyl or your typical opioid like fentanyl or
• And fentanyl really took the reins the last couple of years.
• And fentanyl really took the reins the last couple of years.

Bills: SF0071, SF0088, SF0056

Keywords: homeland security, search and rescue, grants, emergency response, Wyoming, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, public safety, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, kratom, regulation, healthcare, age restrictions, manufacturing standards, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So after four and a half months, they put that fentanyl trafficker up for parole.
• This is a seizure of fentanyl from a drug task force in Fargo.
• This fentanyl is harming people.' And this person has now been convicted.
• There were 4,000 of them, almost 3,989, 437 grams of fentanyl.
• If it was pure fentanyl, it would have killed over 200,000 people.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• recognized to explain the bill which is a bill titled the numbers is Senate Bill. 3046, I said on fentanyl
• He passed away in September. 22 after unknowingly ingesting a substance laced with fentanyl since he
• was unaware that he had consumed at medical professionals were unable to identify fentanyl in time to
• This bill requires hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl as part of any urine
• The bill will increase the frequency and efficiency of fentanyl testing ensuring that patients receive

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fentanyl, if anybody is familiar with what is happening in the state of Kentucky, fentanyl is being pretty
• > what is happening in the state of what is happening in the state of Kentucky,<00:09:42.320> fentanyl
• is being pretty much Kentucky, fentanyl is being pretty much cut<00:09:44.640> into<00:09:44.959
• , substances um that included fentanyl, substances um that included fentanyl, methamphetamine,<00
• intoxication and the manner was fentanyl intoxication and the manner was determined<00:15:50.800>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.